Abstract This thesis treats the continuity and changes of urban images from the end of the 19th century until today. On the one hand, it explains the historical development of urban images of “modernity” before and after the two World Wars, the theoretical global discussion of the new image of sustainability, its practical conversion, the aims and instruments of urban planning with the different urban images. On the other hand, in this historical and theoretical context it researches the consequences of these changes of images on the urban development in Europe and mainland China. Based on research of the latest urban history and development the German city of Freiburg im Breisgau was taken as an example for the new image of “sustainability” and Shanghai in China for “modernity” and as far as recognisable “sustainability”. The actual urban planning of Shanghai has received the greater emphasis. The most important aim of the thesis is to determine whether the continuities and changes of Western urban images had and have consequences and influences on the modern rising cities in China, especially on Shanghai despite their totally different political, economic and social conditions.